Description:Astrophytum capricorne var. crassispinum cv. Taiho, in Japanese speaking taiho-gyoku, is a Capricorn with very strong, short flat, and quite impressive spines. Surely the distinctive trait of this cactus are the spines which are less curved but thicker and much more grotesque than other capricornes. Other features are the epidermis that lacks the typical white flakes of astrophytum (nudum) and the large felty areolas. Derivation of cultivar name: Taiho is an abbreviation of Taihogyoku that in Japanese speech would mean something like "Astrophytum capricorne v. crassispinum nudum cv. yellow buffalo spine”.

Subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Astrophytum capricorne group

Astrophytum capricorneF.A.C.Weber in Bois: Solitary globose or columnar cactus with long, curled and spines that looks like goat's horns.

Astrophytum capricorne var. crassispinum nudum(H.Moeller) Y.Itô: The stems is larger bright green and almost bare (lack white dots). Spines arestriking strong and up to 8.5 cm long, flat, black to brown, or (occasionally white or yellow) in the youth, later grey-chalky.

Astrophytum capricorne var. crassispinum(H.Moeller) Y.Okomura: Beautiful variety with striking strong flat and large spines up to 8.5 cm long. It is very similar to Astrophytum capricorne var niveum (and the differences between this variety is questionable)

Astrophytum capricorne var. niveumY.Okomura: (cv. Hakuzuiho Gyoku) This form has striking more rigid and wide thorns and very more closely whiter flockingIt, it is bigger than var. senilis and aureum, and its dimension are similar to the standard species.

Astrophytum capricorne subs. senile(Frič) Doweld: It has dark reddish brown till black coloring spines, soon getting grey, bristly, flexible, square in cross-section, up to 10 cm long and pointing in all directions that often form up spirals, they are so densely nest wrapped that the body is hardly visible and looks like a dry grass bundle.

Cultivation and Propagation: Astrophytum capricorne is a strong summer-growing species of relatively easy cultivation. Growth rate: Slow-growing. Soil: Grow it in an open standard, sandy-gritty cactus compost and provide a very good drainage. Exposure: It is suited for sunny-brightly exposure, but can tolerate light shade. However it will do its best with lots of sun and become stressed with inadequate light which could result in poor growth and unnatural shape. It has a good heat tolerance. Watering: Water regularly (about once a week) during the growing season and keep it completely dry during winter or when night temperatures remain below 10° C. Water it less than average if in bigger pots.Fertilization: Feed them once during the growing season with a fertilizer specifically formulated for cactus and succulents (high potash fertilizer with a dilute low nitrogen), including all micro nutrients and trace elements diluted to ½ the strength recommended on the label. They thrive in poor soils and need a limited supplies of fertilizer to avoid the plants developing excess vegetation, which is easily attacked by fungal diseases.Special need: It is suited for airy exposures. Provide very good ventilation. Nearly all problems occur as a result of overwatering and poor ventilation, especially when weather conditions are dull and cool or very humid. ere.Hardiness: It likes warmth (recommended minimum winter temperature 5° C) But plants kept perfectly dry can easily survive to light frost (it is reported hardy to -9 ° C for brief periods). Pests & diseases: These cacti may be attractive to a variety of insects, but plants in good condition should be nearly pest-free, particularly if they are grown in a mineral potting-mix, with good exposure and ventilation. Nonetheless, there are several pests to watch for: - Red spiders: Red spiders may be effectively rubbed up by misting the plants from above. - Mealy bugs: Mealy bugs occasionally develop aerial into the new leaves and flowers with disfiguring results, but the worst types develop underground on the roots and are invisible except by their effects. - Scales, thrips and aphids: These insects are rarely a problem. - Rot: Rot is only a minor problem if the plants are watered and “aired” correctly. If they are not, fungicides won't help all that much.Propagation: It can be propagated easily from seed (seldom produces offsets). The seeds can be sown in pots of fine, well-drained sandy soil, any time during the spring when temperatures are warm. Cover the seeds with a fine layer of grit and water from below with a fungicide to prevent damping off. For the 1-2 weeks cover the pots with a sheet of glass/clear perspex to keep the humidity levels high. Remove the glass and replace it with light shade-cloth and mist once or twice a day for the next two weeks after which most seeds should have germinated. From then on mistings can be reduced to every second and then every third day as the little plants grow. The seedlings should not be disturbed until they are well rooted after which they can be planted separately in small pots. Sometimes it is grafted to avoid root rot problems as plants grafted on an hardy stock are easy to grow and no special skill is required.